e The Epitaph
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Volume 62, Issue 2
November 7, 2024
Homestead High School 21370 Homestead Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014
Community prepares for election, navigates voting Danielle Feldsher, Adam Orrin and Ethan Xue
T
he 2024 presidential election, which took place on Nov. 5, will have a significant impact on the lives of many U.S. citizens, including students, law teacher Byron Lee said. In the weeks leading up to the election, students and staff contributed to the pre-election environment on campus in several ways. With some seniors voting for the first time, equipping them with information about voter registration and candidates was critical to students making educated choices, Lee said. As a history teacher and department lead, Christy Heaton said one way gov/econ teachers laid the groundwork for informed voting among seniors was by helping students learn about different propositions and candidates. This allowed students to harbor a well-rounded understanding of where their vote was going, Heaton said. “In my class, the kids do current events presentations, but they choose the topics and then lead each other in discussions,” Heaton said. “For the most part, the discussions in my class have had really intelligent, inquisitive and thoughtful comments. I don’t see a lot of people unwilling to hear another perspective.” Although many students were still not old enough to vote in the recent election, Lee said he prioritized facilitating discussions about relevant laws and personal rights. “Many students don’t necessarily understand how wonderful it is to be in a country like this, where we do have that freedom and to assemble,” Lee said. For some seniors, voting for the first time means playing a novel and more meaningful role in the election process, senior Connor Monsen said. “I’ve always wanted to vote. It just feels like you’re now a part of the process. It’s pretty exciting,” Monsen said. “You’re not looking from the outside in. You’re right there in the action.”
Are you
Are you doing anything to campaign for the 2024 election?
Due to the wide-ranging impacts of the election results, Monsen said it was crucial that students make informed decisions based not only on the candidates themselves but also their policies. “I am navigating it by reading the newspaper and learning about the issues so that when I do go to the ballot, I’m not just making a random decision based on what I see,” Monsen said. “I’m understanding what each measure and each candidate brings to the table.” Along with an independent exploration of voting, students also took advantage of economics club’s voter registration event on Oct. 4, vice president, senior David Wang said. The event provided students with online and physical preregistration forms, educating seniors on election procedures, Wang said. “It allows people to really get ahead of others and have the chance to speak out,” Wang said. “Preregistering makes the process much more convenient and easier, and it allows everything to be more streamlined.” By providing students with valuable insight, the drive assisted over 40 students with preregistration. The event gave seniors a more significant role in the election process, even for those not yet old enough to vote, Wang said. While election season can often be a time of divide, principal Denae Nurnberg said she has noticed the opposite over the past few weeks. The calm environment was a result of positive student interactions and mature conversations across campus, she said. “Students want a positive atmosphere on their campus,” Nurnberg said. “Even if they disagree, sometimes students can handle disagreements even better than adults.” On a diverse campus, Nurnberg said learning about different backgrounds and staying open-minded is vital for respectful communication. “Students being able to have civil discourse is really important,” Nurnberg said. “Respectful communication and trying to learn from each other’s backgrounds and differences is what makes us a more powerful community.”
eligible to vote? Yes (98% ) No (2%)
No
Who ar e you vo
41
Yes
Harris (94 %) Trump (4% ) Other (2%)
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Staff, students share election sentiments Principal Denae Nurnberg “Respectful communication and trying to learn from each other's backgrounds and differences is what makes us a more powerful community.”
Connor Monsen (12) “I’ve always wanted to vote. It just feels like you’re now a part of the process. It’s pretty exciting. You’re not looking from the outside in. You’re right there in the action.”
History teacher Christy Heaton “For the most part, the discussions in my class have been intelligent, inquisitive and thoughtful comments. I don’t see a lot of people unwilling to hear another perspective.” Photos by Ethan Xue
ASB revises Homecoming to increase participation Students discuss Homecoming changes
ting for
?
Annie Guo, Vivian Kim and Selina Wang
Infographic by Ethan Xue
As ASB prepared for Homecoming week, which took place from Oct. 21 to Oct. 25, it aimed to resolve issues that arose last year, ASB social manager, sophomore Maya Power said. Specifically, ASB focused on increasing the quality
of the dance, enhancing advertising and boosting creativity of spirit days, Power said. One of ASB’s main focuses was to expand the food options at the dance, which took place on Oct. 18. In comparison to last year’s cupcakes and cookies, this year’s dance offered catering from The Waffle Roost, ASB social manager, junior Agnes Ko said. Food options included mini waffles and mini fried chicken, along with snacks and soda, Ko added.
See Homecoming changes, page 2
Photo by Alan Zhang
F F A ST VOTES
From a survey of 52 staff members
5
Legacy admissions ban paves the way for educational equity New California law levels college admissions
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Hoping to improve Homecoming, ASB upgraded the dance’s amenities, Ko said. Illustration by Amanda Boles
ACT class is hungry for career experience Hungry Homies program benefits ACT students, staff
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Feel the rush of the ‘Sweat’ tour Joint tour displays a bold and beautiful performance
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Freshmen take over varsity court Three freshman players join varsity girls volleyball team
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